1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play takes place in Los Angeles on the "Westside" and it follows the youthful times of Brenda Wong Aoki. In her youth she grows up in a very racially diverse area, full of many, many cultures. Her father is the small business owner of a quaint drugstore. The play delves into the feelings, and perspectives of Brenda that change when she goes from being a insider in her community, to becoming an outsider when she is placed in more advanced classes in high school.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion in this play happens when Brenda is placed into more advanced classes, this completely changes her perspective, and the way other people including her friends treat her. We start to see the divide between Brenda and her old friends, when she comes in contact with wealthier friends like Sherry and Steve Newcomb. This massive life change causes a division between her "Westside" friends and her new wealthier friends.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor in this play is that we are seeing the years that shaped Brenda, this is the day Brenda has decided to illustrate her formidable years to the audience.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
How will Brenda be able to compromise between these two worlds?
Will Brenda decide to stay on the Westside?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
The first exposition is expressed through the period when the narrator is aware of her story, while the second exposition is seen when the narrator selects which pieces of the story, which character, which scenes to portray to the audience.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The most significantly theatrical part of this play was the shootout, between Smoke, and Kali's gangs. This is a very attention grabbing part as it has loud noises, and extreme emotion.
8. What does the narrator want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
Brenda struggles majorly with her identity in this play, she struggle to find out who she is, where she belongs. Does she belong on with the "Westside" or with her new rich friends? She tried desparately to find a happy
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
One of the most powerful images in the play, which is also a testament to the name of the play is the image of the rose garden symbolizing the goodness, and beauty that can come from something that may seem rough on the outside or at first glance. The symbol of the ocean reflects a strong foundation, something that is always constant.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Family is certainly a strong theme here as one of the main struggles is between Brenda and her friends who struggle with Brenda's search for her own identity. Brenda's obligations towards her family are what keeps her coming to the "Westside" they are what binds her there.
This play takes place in Los Angeles on the "Westside" and it follows the youthful times of Brenda Wong Aoki. In her youth she grows up in a very racially diverse area, full of many, many cultures. Her father is the small business owner of a quaint drugstore. The play delves into the feelings, and perspectives of Brenda that change when she goes from being a insider in her community, to becoming an outsider when she is placed in more advanced classes in high school.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion in this play happens when Brenda is placed into more advanced classes, this completely changes her perspective, and the way other people including her friends treat her. We start to see the divide between Brenda and her old friends, when she comes in contact with wealthier friends like Sherry and Steve Newcomb. This massive life change causes a division between her "Westside" friends and her new wealthier friends.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor in this play is that we are seeing the years that shaped Brenda, this is the day Brenda has decided to illustrate her formidable years to the audience.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
How will Brenda be able to compromise between these two worlds?
Will Brenda decide to stay on the Westside?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
The first exposition is expressed through the period when the narrator is aware of her story, while the second exposition is seen when the narrator selects which pieces of the story, which character, which scenes to portray to the audience.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The most significantly theatrical part of this play was the shootout, between Smoke, and Kali's gangs. This is a very attention grabbing part as it has loud noises, and extreme emotion.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Coming-of-age. Relationships. Identity. Ethnicity. Wealth. Perspective.
8. What does the narrator want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
Brenda struggles majorly with her identity in this play, she struggle to find out who she is, where she belongs. Does she belong on with the "Westside" or with her new rich friends? She tried desparately to find a happy
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
One of the most powerful images in the play, which is also a testament to the name of the play is the image of the rose garden symbolizing the goodness, and beauty that can come from something that may seem rough on the outside or at first glance. The symbol of the ocean reflects a strong foundation, something that is always constant.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Family is certainly a strong theme here as one of the main struggles is between Brenda and her friends who struggle with Brenda's search for her own identity. Brenda's obligations towards her family are what keeps her coming to the "Westside" they are what binds her there.